2006 Farella Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of dark fruits, smoke and flinty minerality; conveys a strong impression of rocks. Plush, sweet and seamless, with a silky texture to the dark berry, smoke and rock flavors. Nothing hot about this Napa cabernet. The big, broad, dusty tannins give this the backbone to age. "Our coolest site," notes winemaker Mike Hirby, adding that the red volcanic clay is also "cool" soil.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From the coolest vineyard site, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard possesses notes of black cherries, black currants, mint, and crushed rocks, medium to full body, pure fruit, and a long, moderately intense finish. This is Cabernet Sauvignon at its most elegant and finesse-styled. Drink it over the next 15 years. Production for these cuvees ranges from a low of 160 cases to a high of 400 cases. Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
Bright ruby. A black cherry fruit bomb on the nose. Dense and thick in the mouth but youthfully muscular today, with spice and pepper flavors contributing a chewy quality to the middle palate and accentuating the serious, slightly drying tannins. Very closed today. Hirby normally racks cabernet only in the spring after the harvest and again for the bottling, but this distinctly clenched wine needs air.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.